By Amber Webb | Manager, Integrated Marketing
Angieleca Hayahay once dreamed of becoming a nurse. But her path wasn’t without its difficulties. While applying for work at a call center to help pay for her schooling, an examiner told her that there was a strict policy against hiring those with a cleft. This is not uncommon to many cultures where cleft is seen as a curse or lifelong disability. Some still believe that physical deformity is evidence of mental disability as well.
But Angieleca persevered against discrimination and officially became a nurse in 2009. She now works with Philippine Band of Mercy, the very same people who, with the help of Smile Train, repaired her cleft and inspired her to become a nurse.Being a former cleft patient herself, she has a unique ability to relate to the families who come through the hospital. Drawing from her own experiences to address their fears and concerns.
She’s a role model to those with a cleft, and proof that cleft patients can change not only lives, but minds as well.
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